Discover how one woman's holiday spirit transformed her grief into a community celebration.
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As the holiday season approaches, communities often come alive with festive decorations, but few displays capture the spirit of Christmas quite like the enchanting gingerbread house at number 19 Sycamore Place in Ferryhill. Adorned with candy canes and gingerbread men, this delightful spectacle draws hundreds of visitors each year, creating a magical atmosphere that transcends the usual holiday cheer.
A journey of healing through holiday decorations
The mastermind behind this captivating display is Penelope Bray, who began her gingerbread house tradition seven years ago. After experiencing profound loss with the passing of her mother and best friend, Mrs. Bray found herself dreading the holiday season.
“I decided to go overboard and fully embrace it,” she shared, reflecting on how the festive decorations became a way to cope with her grief.
In 2016, Mrs. Bray faced the heart-wrenching reality of losing her mother to terminal cancer after an 18-month battle. The sudden loss of her best friend compounded her sorrow, leaving a significant void during a time that was once filled with joy and family gatherings. “When it came to Christmas, we always had both of them, so it was a big hole,” she explained.
Creating a community connection
Decorating her garden for the holidays provided Mrs. Bray with a therapeutic escape. “I could go out to the garden and cry and have space,” she said, emphasizing the importance of having a safe place to process her emotions. As her husband and eldest son worked away, she also battled feelings of loneliness, a sentiment that resonates with many during the festive season.
Over the years, the gingerbread house display has grown exponentially, with Mrs. Bray investing in a variety of Christmas-themed decorations, including vibrant balloons and twinkling lights. “We have the lights on between 5 PM and 8 PM each evening,” she noted, adding that her husband plays cheerful holiday tunes to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Honoring memories and spreading joy
What began as a personal healing journey has blossomed into a community celebration. The display not only helps Mrs. Bray cope with her own loneliness but also encourages others to venture out during the winter months. “We can make new memories and not forget the old ones,” she said, highlighting the importance of connection during the holidays.
In her first year, Mrs. Bray decided to honor her mother by using the festive house as a platform to raise funds for Cancer Research. Since then, she has continued this charitable spirit, collecting donations for various organizations, with this year’s contributions directed to Unicef UK. “Do what it takes to get through,” she advises, emphasizing the power of community and shared experiences during challenging times.
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